The Al Good Orchestra
Al Good
Bettie Good |
A little about ourselves...In 1944 a young musician named Amato Guariglia arrived in Oklahoma City. Guariglia, the son of Italian and Swedish immigrants had come to Oklahoma City to take a job as a staff musician for WKY Radio. Falling in love with Oklahoma, he decided he would stay, and began putting a band together. He placed an ad in the newspaper for a female vocalist. The ad was answered by a young vocalist named Bettie Dunham. Little did she know that not only would she get the job but would also become the bandleader's wife. Married on December 24, 1944 with musician witnesses Kenny and Lucille Driver by their side she became Mrs. Amato Guariglia. Less than a year later, feeling that his Italian name could be difficult for people to pronounce (see, you're having trouble, right?) he decided to legally change his name to Alan Ronald Good, or less formally, "Al Good". This was the beginning of Al Good & His Orchestra, featuring vocalist Bettie Dunham. As was the custom in those days, she continued to sing under her maiden name. They took the area by storm and performed together for events on radio, television and many now historic dance venues such as The Springlake Casino, The Persian Room at The Skirvin Hotel, and the Zebra Room at the Municipal Auditorium (now Civic Center Music Hall). Together Al and Bettie had three children; Ronald Jean Good, Gary Alan Good and Patricia Gayle Good. Bettie died way too young in an accident on November 27, 1970 at the age of 46. After leading his band for nearly 60 years Al Good died in between "gigs" at the age of 86. But the band plays on... Today managed and booked by his middle son Gary and conducted by Wes McLennon, The Al Good Orchestra is still going strong and can be seen playing dances, festivals, galas and special events. |
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The Band Plays On ~ Book Today!
What People Are Saying About Us
"The Al Good Orchestra has been a part of my life for many years and has always been a part of Oklahoma's most important events." -- Lee Allan Smith, Chairman, Oklahoma Events
"The Al Good Orchestra still performs the world's best Big Band music... They played at my wedding and I have been honored to feature them on KSBI-TV. Gary Good continues his father's legacy of Big Band music... Today's Al Good Orchestra is as great as ever!" -- Vince Orza, President, KSBI-TV
"The Al Good Orchestra is a one of a kind, high class act. They always have been and always will be!"
-- Dino Lalli, Producer, Discover Oklahoma
"The Al Good Orchestra played for every major social event in Oklahoma City, from debutante balls to political inaugurals. The famous adored OKC's Society Orchestra leader, Al Good.
To have Al mention your name over the microphone meant you were really someone important."
-- Vicki Clark Gourley, Publisher, OKC Friday
"As you go through life you have many memories. When I came to the Oklahoma Capital Cities area, I began positive memories that are still good. I mean real Good. I mean THE AL GOOD ORCHESTRA! They are all good, they are AL GOOD!"
-- George Nigh, Former Governor, State of Oklahoma
Enjoy The Al Good Media Library
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